Welcome to another Installment of Career Warrior. Here, we will feature interviews with outstanding entrepreneurs to share with you their stories and career advice.
As someone who is in a higher managerial role, we should NEVER underestimate our employees. We always believe that a good company comes from a good worker. Good workers come from a great leader. On this topic, Suryanto Gobeawan from Erakomp Group and WallaWilli will be talking a bit more about how his employee has been motivating him.
About Erakomp Group
Erakomp Group is an IT solution provider company serving nationwide. They are the leading IT company providing all technology solutions, business, government, and private use. Erakomp covers 474 districts representing 86% of total districts in Indonesia. As we strive to excel in customer service excellence by providing real-time solutions and wide product offering. Dynamic improvements are in place to provide both in the sales and after-sales service.
About Suryanto Gobeawan
I’m a pet lover and my house has more pets than human living in it (including the maids & drivers).
Suryanto Gobeawan is the Chief Strategic Development of Erakomp Group. At the same time, He’s also the CEO & Founder of a unique travel-related virtual assistant startup – WallaWilli.
Can you describe a typical workday?
There is no typical day in my line of work. Being the Chief Strategic Development Officer, I’m involved in all aspects of the company to ensure linearity and clarity. Every day is a different day with most days to expect the unexpected. What is typical in my role is that each and every day is more exciting and challenging than the one before.
I enjoy a good light reading or a horror movie to relax and/or spend my off time. Yes, only horror movies could take my mind away from work.
Who are some of your clients? How did you manage to get them to be your customers?
We have wide-ranging customers from retail end-users (both online & offline) to corporate & government organizations. Our wide and deep reach in branding has positioned us to be the go-to company for all IT solutions.
My best marketing tip that I can give you is to find out what they are seeking / in need of before putting forth what you are trying to sell. Only when you truly understand their needs, then would you be able to effectively sell to them, both by needs and emotions.
What has been your greatest success in your career and why?
When I engage the public and putting my capability and authority for a good cause such as volunteering in educating Indonesians’ Millennials so that they are more aware of the advancement of technology & IT products across the globe. Seeing those whom I have educated/mentored excel and find their passion while carving out their career path within the IT industry is an indescribable moment of pride and joy to me.
What are some difficult moments/challenges in running this company/business?
Some of the most difficult challenges in running the business are cash flow & manpower. The 2 elements are constantly on top of my mind – yet some are not easily tackled.
What is your favorite career/business failure (and what did you learn from it)?
We have to be agile and dynamically adaptive in business. No results is ever as 100% expected. And, never give up. The moment we as entrepreneurs give up – that is the moment we kill the business prematurely by our own hands.
In running WallaWilli, I had to take necessary steps to dynamically change the business model & structure due to the unexpected Covid-19 which hit the travel & tourism industry very severely.
Now, instead of focusing on the travel & tourism aspect of WallaWilli, the business has evolved into a revolutionary & disruptive digital advertising space.
What motivated you to run this business?
The technological gap in Indonesia as compared to many other more advanced countries propelled us to do something more and lead the nation in its effort to progress step by step.
Who has had the biggest influence and motivation on your career?
Our employees. I see a lot of talented people in our company who aren’t just about professionalism. They reach beyond with their sense of belonging to the company and commendable dedication.
Within the company, we are used to appreciating employees for their hard work. From appreciation and achievement, it is obvious that every employee is an asset to the company. Even though their contributions are very different, they still have the same goal of advancing the company. From this appreciation, the management team and I can see more clearly the achievements of each employee. So that appreciation is not only limited to appreciation but also awakens management to make employee dedication as motivation.
Gary Vaynerchuk said: “Bosses work for employees, not employees work for bosses.” I agree with this statement. In every developed company, it is the leaders of that company who work harder to rack their brains more to direct employees and the company in a better direction. An ideal leader is a leader who leads the company with clear directions and goals.
A good company starts with good employees. “No Man is an Island”. The company will not be able to stand alone without qualified human resources. All companies are headed by a leader and driven by the crew (employees).
2 basic things in a company culture that must be considered by leaders, namely:
- The culture of the company is a reflection of a leader who leads the company so that as a leader we should not make excessive demands.
from employees, especially if we as leaders cannot or do not master it - A leader should understand the needs and motivation for the performance of his employees. Employees are human beings who have needs. If these needs can be met by the company and used in building a culture of togetherness and ownership in the company, then it can be ascertained that the company which is likened to a big ship will achieve success.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have to make to start your business?
There are of course sacrifices here and there. Some of the biggest sacrifice that I had to make is my time, my social life, and my love life.
If you could go back in time to speak to your 22-year-old self, what would you tell him/her?
Wake up and start your start-up earlier! Like way earlier, long before Covid-19.
Lastly, what are some interview tips you would give to prospective candidates coming for your interview?
Be well prepared – very well prepared. It is always better to be over-prepared than underprepared. Broad general knowledge is a strong weapon and expects out-of-the-box discussions.
9cv9 is a top remote career platform where you can find the best candidates for your company! Head over to 9cv9 now to hire from the top talent pool!
Find this useful? Remember to like this post and follow 9cv9 blog for more!
